The Open Rivers Programme (ORP) is inviting interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) to implement a study to collate primary information on the ecological impact of small barrier removal projects.The study will complement desk-based research being undertaken by ORP to assess the impacts of small dam removal projects, both from ORP projects and those carried out by others.
EoI should fulfil the following criteria:
- Be no more than two pages in length
- Contain the following sections: summary, methodology/approach, description of implementing team, expected outputs, timeline and budget.
- Consider different types of barriers (e.g. weir, dam) in different countries within Greater Europe. Consider a range of project types to compare and contrast impact under different circumstances.
- Draw on current best practices for assessing the impact of barrier removal projects.
- The approach should be scientifically robust, and data must be objective and verifiable.
- Wherever possible, photos and video footage should be obtained from projects.
- The maximum available budget is €100,000
- The exercise must be completed by 31st March 2027, ideally by the end of 2026.
The study’s outputs will help ORP communicate the impacts of small dam removal through its own communications media, including a video. The contractors will be free to share their results externally.
Application deadline and selection process:
Application deadline for submission of EoI: 30th September 2025, 13:00 CEST
Feedback on EoI from ORP: 7th October 2025, 13:00 CEST
EoI will be scored by ORP’s management team according to the extent to which it meets the above brief, the strength of the methodology and the quality of the expected outputs. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal by 21st October 2025 and to plan for their projects to start as soon as possible, i.e. from early November 2025.
EoI should be sent to applications@openrivers.eu. Any questions should also be directed to this email address.
About the Open Rivers programme
The European Open Rivers Programme (ORP) offers grants to restore rivers by supporting interventions that lead to the removal of longitudinal (transverse) dams and the restoration of river flow and biodiversity.
ORP is administered by Stichting European Open Rivers Programme, a charitable foundation incorporated in the Netherlands. Arcadia funds the programme with a budget of €42.5 million over eight years (2021-29). Grant applications are accepted from any of the 51 countries of Greater Europe via calls for applications throughout the programme’s life.
ORP’s vision is for: ‘free-flowing rivers with healthy, diverse and connected ecosystems across Europe, which are enjoyed, valued, and protected by the communities that depend on them’. We work towards this vision by offering several categories of grants, with most funds allocated to preparing for and removing small dams from European rivers.
As at 18th August 2025, ORP had awarded 176 grants, amounting to €13.94 million, and supported 91 organisations in 32 European countries.
